Restriction fragment length polymorphism of human mitochondrial DNA in a sample population from Apulia (Southern Italy)

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of human mitochondrial DNA was analysed in a sample of 87 subjects from Apulia (South Italy) by the restriction enzymes Hpa I, Bam HI, Hae II, Msp I, Ava II, and Hinc II using total blood cell DNA probed by human mtDNA from placenta. Five BamHI morphs were observed, two of which are new ( Bam HI-4 and -5), as well as one new Ava II morph ( Ava II-28). The association Bam HI-4/ Ava II-28 enables us to demonstrate for the first time two polymorphic Bam HI sites present together in the same mtDNA molecule. In agreement with historical data the Apulian sample has been shown to be the most heterogeneous Italian population so far tested.     

Synthesis of TPH-13, a new tridecapeptide from Phyllomedusa rohdei

The synthesis of TPH-13 (Glp-Glu-Lys-Pro-Tyr-Trp-Pro-Pro-Pro-Ile-Tyr-Pro-Met-OH), a tridecapeptide isolated from the skin of the South American frog Phyllomedusa rohdei, is described and alternative approaches are discussed.     

Intratemporal vascular tumors: detection with CT and MR imaging

The diagnostic contributions of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were compared in 12 patients with benign intratemporal vascular tumors (hemangioma or vascular malformation). The tumors included six in the internal acoustic canal and six in the geniculate ganglion region. Clinical and histologic correlations were made. Two of the six patients with tumors in the internal acoustic canal underwent CT, and both required gas cisternography to show the tumor. Five patients in that group underwent MR imaging, and all five studies showed the tumor. All six patients with geniculate ganglion tumors underwent CT. Results in one study were questionable, and five showed the tumor. Five patients in this group underwent MR imaging, but the MR findings were positive in only two cases. MR imaging should therefore be performed before CT in the evaluation of facial nerve dysfunction, as it demonstrated all tumors in the internal acoustic canal and some in the geniculate ganglion region. If MR findings are negative, CT should then be performed to rule out a possible geniculate ganglion lesion.     

Acquired Cutis Laxa in Childhood Sweet's Syndrome

Abstract:  In Sweet's syndrome, the essential features are the characteristic morphology of the lesions, their histologic appearance, the dramatic response to corticosteroids and the absence of scarring. We report an 8-month-old infant in whom Sweet's syndrome was diagnosed and who developed acquired cutis laxa in the skin lesions.     

Effect of divalent cations on structure-function relationships of the antitumor protein α-sarcin

α-Sarcin binds one Zn(II) cation per protein molecule, with a K_d value of 0.9 mM, determined by equilibrium dialysis experiments. Ca(II), Mg(II), and Mn(II) do not bind to α-sarcin. Cd(II) and Co(II) also behave as Zn(II). The binding produces local modifications on the protein conformation affecting the microenvironment of tryptophan residues. The three cations modify the fluorescence emission of the protein. The near-u. v. circular dichroism spectrum of the protein is also altered. The binding of Zn(II) and related cations does not modify the secondary structure of the protein. The ribonucleolytic activity of a-sarcin is inhibited upon Zn(II) binding, but no alteration of the ability of the protein to aggregate phospholipid vesicles has been observed.